Limerick District League Premier Division Round-up

There were five games in the Premier Division of the Limerick District League on Sunday morning with big ramifications at both ends for the winners and losers.

With Fairview Rangers out of action this weekend, both Aisling Annacotty and Ballynanty Rovers met in Annacotty knowing that a win would strengthen their grip at the top of the table.

Aisling Annacotty raced into a 2-0 lead through goals from Aaron Murphy and Thomas Clarke but not for the first time this season, Dave Dunphy’s Ballynanty side showed great character to fight their way back into the contest. A brace from striker Arron Nunan including a penalty restored parity for the league leaders who were unwilling to give up top spot lightly.

It looked as though the northsiders would leave Annacotty with a massive victory when they took the lead through an own goal. However, Adam Foley scored his second goal in four days to rescue the point for Shane O’Hanlon’s men. Ballynanty remain on top by one point.

Regional United secured a big win at Dooradoyle when they entertained near neighbors Mungret Regional. Regional striker Jack Arra bagged five goals to add to his recent hattrick against Coonagh United in a comprehensive 7-0 victory for Tom O’Connell’s side. New signing Joel Coustrain who recently joined from Athlone Town, and Shane Dillon completed the scoring.

In another entertaining game in Coonagh, Coonagh United defeated Prospect 4-3 to leapfrog Janesboro into sixth place for a week at least. A brace from Martin Deady with one being a penalty, a screamer from Niall Earls and a late Eoghan O’Neill goal provided the win for James O’Neill and Keith Doran’s side. Trevor Hogan continued his fine recent scoring form by adding another hattrick for Wayne Colbert’s men.

Pike Rovers kept pace with the leading pack following a routine 4-0 win over Nenagh AFC at Crosagalla. Kieran Hanlon (x2), Eoin Hanrahan and Steven McGann gave the home side the much needed victory. Another clean sheet is equally as pleasing for Robbie Williams as they head into the big Tuohy Cup game against Ballynanty on Thursday night.

In the basement battle, Geraldines had to come from 1-2 down at the Garryowen Green to earn a draw with Kilmallock. Karl Turner (x2) and Shane Byrne accounted for the Geraldines goals.